Former rugby league player and coach John Kear, one of the sport’s most respected and influential figures, has died at the age of 71.

Kear passed away on Sunday while travelling home from the Challenge Cup final, prompting tributes from across the rugby league community to a man whose impact on the game spanned several decades.

Born in Castleford, Kear enjoyed a distinguished playing career with his hometown club, Castleford Tigers, making 133 appearances between 1978 and 1988.

Following his retirement as a player, Kear established himself as one of rugby league’s most respected coaches, earning widespread admiration for his leadership, tactical expertise and ability to inspire teams.

His greatest coaching achievement came in 1998 when he guided Sheffield Eagles to one of the biggest upsets in rugby league history. Under Kear’s leadership, Sheffield defeated the heavily favoured Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup final, ending Wigan’s dominance of the competition and securing a memorable victory that remains one of the sport’s most celebrated moments.

Kear went on to coach several leading clubs, including Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls, earning a reputation for developing players and revitalising teams throughout his coaching career.

On the international stage, Kear served as head coach of the England national rugby league team during the 2000 Rugby League World Cup. He guided England to the semi-finals of the tournament, further enhancing his standing within the game.

Throughout his career, Kear was widely admired for his passion, commitment and contribution to rugby league both on and off the field. His influence extended beyond results and trophies, with many players, coaches and supporters regarding him as one of the sport’s finest ambassadors.

Paris Saint-Germain have successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title, defeating Arsenal in a dramatic final that was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout.

The result secures a second consecutive Champions League triumph for PSG and further cements their status among Europe’s elite clubs.

For Arsenal, it was a painful ending after a determined performance. The London side remained competitive throughout the contest but suffered heartbreak in the shootout when two penalties were missed.

Eberechi Eze fired his spot-kick wide of the target, while Gabriel Jesus sent his effort over the crossbar, handing PSG a decisive advantage.

Although Arsenal battled hard and showed resilience, PSG were widely viewed as the more dangerous attacking side over the course of the match. The French champions created the better opportunities and consistently threatened going forward, making them worthy winners on the balance of play.

The victory represents another landmark achievement for Paris Saint-Germain, who have now claimed back-to-back Champions League titles, while Arsenal are left to reflect on a missed opportunity after falling agonisingly short on European football’s biggest stage.

World number one Jannik Sinner has been sensationally knocked out of the French Open in the second round after a dramatic five-set defeat to Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

The stunning upset ended Sinner’s remarkable 30-match winning streak and marked his first defeat since mid-February, sending shockwaves through the men’s draw at Roland Garros.

Cerundolo, who battled back after appearing outmatched for large stretches of the contest, admitted after the match that he felt sympathy for Sinner, who looked physically troubled late in the encounter.

Speaking on court following the biggest win of his career, Cerundolo said: “It’s tough for him, he was leading the match and I couldn’t win more than three games in a set.

“I was a little bit lucky and I feel sorry for him, he was serving to win the match. Then I don’t know what happened, I think he was cramping. Of course I feel sorry for him and I hope he recovers.”

The Argentine also celebrated reaching the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time.

“I’m super happy, I will try to keep playing my best. I like to play this tournament because clay is my best surface and I hope to be ready for the next match,” he added.

Sinner’s exit dramatically reshapes the tournament landscape. With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz already absent because of injury, the French Open will now produce a men’s singles champion other than Sinner or Alcaraz for the first time since the US Open in 2023.

The unexpected departures of the two dominant young stars have opened the door for several contenders.

Attention will now turn to Novak Djokovic, who is chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam singles title that would extend his all-time record. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev may sense a major opportunity to finally secure his first Grand Slam crown after several near misses.

The result is already being viewed as one of the biggest shocks at Roland Garros in recent years, with the men’s competition suddenly appearing far more unpredictable heading into the later rounds.